NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Acura MDX Safety Ratings
The 2020 Acura MDX scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 8 recalls, and 207 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Acura MDX earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it within our "Strong" safety band. This assessment is bolstered by full marks for its crash avoidance technology. However, eight active recall campaigns and a modest defect-record score of 10 out of 20 suggest areas where the MDX's safety profile is less robust.
The 2020 Acura MDX received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100 based on NHTSA crash, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Acura MDX ranks 39 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 8 |
| Owner complaints | 207 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 39 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Acura MDX?
The 2020 model year represents a measurable step forward for the MDX in safety scoring, with the NHTSA Safety Index rising five points to 86/100 from the 2019 model's 81/100, while both years remain in the Strong band. That gain is supported by a near-perfect crash protection score of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the 2020 lineup. The area that limits the index is the defect record, which stands at 10 out of a possible 20, a direct consequence of eight recall campaigns. Two of those campaigns specifically address front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensors, a safety-critical system, and one addresses structural frame members across a broad Honda and Acura population that includes this vehicle. The fuel pump recall adds another layer of concern. The complaint volume of 207 reported allegations is notable, with engine-related allegations alone accounting for 77 of them and forward collision avoidance generating 35 separate reports, a pattern worth monitoring given that the system is standard equipment on this year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Acura MDX perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Acura MDX achieved NHTSA's highest overall safety rating, securing five out of five stars. This top-tier assessment extends to both frontal and side impact protection, where the MDX also earned a perfect five-star score. The sole area where the vehicle did not achieve the maximum rating was in rollover resistance. Here, the MDX was rated four out of five stars, exhibiting a 16 percent risk of rollover in federal tests. The dynamic tip-test, however, concluded with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14491
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Acura MDX have any recalls?
Eight recall campaigns cover this model year. Components include structural frame members, front-passenger occupant classification sensors tied to air bag deployment, exterior lighting where moisture may enter the tailgate lid light assembly, and the fuel delivery system. Two separate air bag sensor campaigns are active. No do-not-drive or park-outside advisory appears in the data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS26V365000
Risk: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888
Reported 2026-06-04
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V332000
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involve
Reported 2026-05-21
EXTERIOR LIGHTING25V259000
Risk: Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 wi
Reported 2025-04-17
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V064000
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Reported 2024-02-01
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V858000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Reported 2023-12-18
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL23V751000
Risk: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mi
Reported 2023-11-13
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER23V458000
Risk: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
Reported 2023-06-29
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V215000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
Reported 2021-03-25
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Acura MDX?
A total of 207 complaints have been reported to NHTSA, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Engine (77 reports), followed by Electrical System (37), Forward Collision Avoidance (35), Unknown or Other (38), Power Train (20), and Lane Departure (16). Reported incidents include 3 alleged crashes and 2 alleged injuries.
207 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Acura MDX?
Eight recall campaigns impact the 2020 MDX, a figure that mandates due diligence from prospective owners. Two of these campaigns address air bag sensor issues, a critical safety component, and another targets structural frame members. Before purchase, verifying the completion of all recall remedies via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool is the most important safety step for this model year.
- The 2020 MDX Safety Index of 86/100 is five points higher than the 2019 model's 81/100, driven primarily by strong crash protection scores, but the defect record sub-score of 10/20 reflects the weight of eight active recall campaigns on this specific model year.
- Two separate recall campaigns address the front-passenger occupant classification sensor, a component that directly governs whether the passenger-side air bag deploys correctly in a crash, making VIN-specific remedy verification essential for this model year.
- A structural frame and members recall issued in 2026 covers 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles, meaning this recall is recent and remedy completion rates among used-market examples may still be low.
- Reported complaints to NHTSA include 35 allegations specifically targeting the Forward Collision Avoidance system, which is standard equipment on the 2020 MDX, and 16 targeting Lane Departure, suggesting prospective buyers should test both systems carefully during any pre-purchase evaluation.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Acura MDX places
The 2020 Acura MDX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Acura MDX safety questions
Was the 2020 Acura MDX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Acura MDX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Acura MDX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Acura MDX earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Acura MDX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 8 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Acura MDX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Acura MDX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 207 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Acura MDX. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other MDX years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14491), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura MDX 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 39 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.